System and Method for Generating Electrical Power Using a Shrouded Turbine System

ABSTRACT

A system and method for generating electrical power using a shrouded wind turbine system. Specifically, a shrouded wind turbine system can comprise a frame, a turbine mounted to said frame, wherein said turbine comprises a hub, a plurality of blade mounts connected to said hub, said hub rotatable, such that during said rotation said blade mounts move toward a turbine rear when above said hub and toward a turbine front when below said hub. In another embodiment, the shrouded wind turbine system can also comprise a plurality of blades, each connected to a unique one of said blade mounts, and an upper wind shroud comprising a front and a rear, said upper wind shroud front mounted above said turbine front and said upper wind shroud rear mounted above said turbine rear, further wherein said upper wind shroud front is mounted higher than said upper wind rear.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates to a system and method for generating electricalpower using a shrouded wind turbine system.

In recent years, demand for power has increased. However, most powergeneration methods have been inefficient, costly, and bad for theenvironment. To combat environmental issues, people have looked to cleanforms of energy production, including solar and wind. Today, variousmethods exist for generating power using wind turbines. Typically,turbines were built using a vertical axis rotor shaft. However, oftensuch system produces much less power because the wind turbines aretypically located closer to the ground. Additionally, most proposedairborne wind turbine designs involve various types of reciprocatingactions, requiring airfoil surfaces to backtrack against the wind forpart of the cycle. Backtracking against the wind leads to inherentlylower efficiency.

As such it would be useful to have an improved system and method forgenerating electrical power using a shrouded wind turbine blade system.

SUMMARY

A system and method for generating electrical power using a shroudedwind turbine blade system.

In one embodiment, a shrouded wind turbine system can comprise a frame,a turbine mounted to said frame, wherein said turbine comprises a hub, aplurality of blade mounts connected to said hub, said hub rotatable,such that during said rotation said blade mounts move toward a turbinerear when above said hub and toward a turbine front when below said hub.In another embodiment, the shrouded wind turbine system can alsocomprise a plurality of blades, each connected to a unique one of saidblade mounts, and an upper wind shroud comprising a front and a rear,said upper wind shroud front mounted above said turbine front and saidupper wind shroud rear mounted above said turbine rear, further whereinsaid upper wind shroud front is mounted higher than said upper windrear.

Additionally, the shrouded wind turbine system can further comprise aframe, a turbine mounted to said frame, wherein said turbine comprises ahub, a plurality of blade mounts connected to said hub, said hubrotatable, such that during said rotation said blade mounts move towarda turbine rear when above said hub and toward a turbine front when belowsaid hub, a plurality of blades, each connected to a unique one of saidblade mounts, and a lower wind shroud mounted to said frame, whereinsaid lower wind shroud is mounted in front of said turbine and mountedat least predominantly below said hub.

Finally, in one embodiment, the shrouded wind turbine system cancomprise a frame, a wind turbine that can comprise a hub, a firstplurality of first sets of first blade mounts, for each first set, eachsaid first blade mount within said first set parallel to other saidfirst blade mounts, wherein each of said second sets is mounted to aleft portion of said hub equally spaced radially from adjacent firstsets. In another embodiment, the shrouded wind turbine system canfurther comprise a second plurality of second sets of second blademounts, for each second set, each said second blade mount within saidsecond set parallel to other said second blade mounts, wherein each ofsaid second sets is mounted to a right portion of said hub equallyspaced radially from adjacent second sets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a wind turbine shroud system mounted on a flat roofat the edge of a structure on a prevailing wind edge.

FIG. 2 illustrates a shroud system.

FIG. 3 illustrates a turbine system mounted to a shroud system.

FIG. 4 illustrates wind shrouds.

FIG. 5A illustrates blade mounts on a blade set.

FIG. 5B illustrates blade mount curvature.

FIG. 6 illustrates a multiple blade set wind turbine shroud system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein is a system and method for generating electrical powerusing a shrouded wind turbine blade system. The following description ispresented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use theinvention as claimed and is provided in the context of the particularexamples discussed below, variations of which will be readily apparentto those skilled in the art. In the interest of clarity, not allfeatures of an actual implementation are described in thisspecification. It will be appreciated that in the development of anysuch actual implementation (as in any development project), designdecisions must be made to achieve the designers' specific goals (e.g.,compliance with system- and business-related constraints), and thatthese goals will vary from one implementation to another. It will alsobe appreciated that such development effort might be complex andtime-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking forthose of ordinary skill in the field of the appropriate art having thebenefit of this disclosure. Accordingly, the claims appended hereto arenot intended to be limited by the disclosed embodiments, but are to beaccorded their widest scope consistent with the principles and featuresdisclosed herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates a shroud system 100 mounted on a flat roof at theedge of a structure 101 on a prevailing wind edge 102. Structure 101 caninclude, but is not limited to, a building, oilrig, platform, ortrailer. Shroud system 100 can support or otherwise mount around aturbine system 103, and can help direct wind toward or away from keypoints of turbine system 103. Such wind direction can help achieve moreefficient electricity generation by turbine system 103.

FIG. 2 illustrates shroud system 100. Shroud system 100 can comprise ofa frame 201 and a one or more wind shrouds 202. In one embodiment, frame201 can include a substantially vertical support structure having a topportion and a bottom portion, and a base 203 to connect shroud system100 to structure 101. Base 203 can connect to a bottom portion of frame201, or can be a portion of frame 201. In one embodiment, base 203 caninclude horizontal beams. In another embodiment, base can includefasteners to connect frame 201 to structure 101. Wind shrouds 202 canmount to frame 201. The shape of frame 202 can vary depending on theplacement of shroud system 100, e.g., a building, oilrig, platform,etc., but in each configuration can support wind shroud 202 so that windshroud 202 is positioned properly to direct wind. Shroud system 100 canbe comprised of a hard weatherproof material. Wind shrouds 202 cancomprise an upper wind shroud 202 a and/or a lower wind shroud 202 b.Frame 201 can also include a one or more surface mounts. Surface mountsenable shroud system 100 to stay affixed to structure 101 during highwinds.

FIG. 3 illustrates a turbine system 103 mounted to shroud system 100.Turbine system 103 can comprise a shaft 301, a hub 302, a plurality ofblade mounts 303, and/or a plurality of blades 304. As shown in FIG. 3,blades 304 can connect to hub 302 via blade mounts 303 around a shaft301, referred to together as a blade set. Hub 302 can rotate aroundshaft 301, using bearings or any other rotary mechanism commonly knownin the art. In one embodiment, turbine system 103 can connect to frame201 using attachment methods such as, but not limited to, bearingmounts. In another embodiment, turbine system can mount to a separateturbine support structure. In such embodiment, shroud system wouldsurround, and in some cases, attach to turbine support structure.

Turbine system 103 receives wind in an intake 305 and a blade returnorifice 306. At intake 305, blade 304 can be curved. In a preferredembodiment, blade 304 is curved with edges tending toward intake 305,thereby “cupping” the wind as it enters intake 305. In oneimplementation wind shroud system 100 and turbine system 103 can be usedin conjunction with each other, mounted on a prevailing wind edge 102 ofstructure 101. A one or more drive gears 307 can be mounted on shaft301. A chain 308 or other similar device known in the art can connectdrive gears to a generator. Thus as blades 304 move, shaft 301 rotates,causing generator to turn.

Lower wind shroud 202 b can be connected to frame 201 in front of bladereturn area 306. In such configuration, lower wind shroud 202 b canprevent prevailing winds from blowing against blade 304 as it returns.In one embodiment, lower wind shroud 202 b can be placed vertically, asshown in FIG. 3. In another embodiment, wherein prevailing wind edge 102rises above structure 101, prevailing wind edge 102 can replace lowerwind shroud 202 b. Another factor that can increase turbine system 103efficiency is a differential pressure created when wind built up onprevailing wind edge 102 and lower shroud 202 b, accelerates into alower pressure above and behind lower shroud 202 b. Such pressuredifferential can add additional uplift of air into intake 305.

Upper wind shroud 202 a can connect to frame 201 above turbine system103. Upper wind shroud 202 a can be positioned with the face of uppershroud 202 a fixed at an angle 309 to the oncoming wind. Suchconfiguration can accelerate and direct the wind to blades 304 in theirmoment of downswing at intake 305. In one embodiment, angle 309 can bebetween thirty and seventy-five degrees, such that a front portion ofupper wind shroud 202 a extends higher than a rear portion of upper windshroud 202 a. In another embodiment, angle 309 can be 45 degrees.

FIG. 4 illustrates wind shrouds 202. Winds shrouds 202 can connect toframe 201 at shroud mount portions 401 of frame 201. In one embodiment,shroud mounts can connect to wind shroud 202 on opposite ends of windshroud 202. One or more support bars can go across wind shroud 202horizontally and/or vertically for structure support. The use of windshrouds can diminish turbulence, produce or enhance a beneficial vortexeffect, and significantly increase the amount of wind entering blades304, thus significantly increasing electrical power generation.

Wind shrouds 202 can be comprised of 6061 T-6 aluminum or any othermaterial suitable in the art. Using 6061 T-6 aluminum can increaselongevity and function of shroud system 100. Coastal areas have muchwind but are often harsh environments. The 6061 T-6 and 7075 have anappropriate strength-to-weight ratio and are also resistant tocorrosion. Additionally, this aluminum retains its shape, strength, andsmooth surfaces. Such material can offer efficient, smooth, andnoise-free operation over time.

FIG. 5 illustrates blade mount 303. FIG. 5A illustrates blade mounts 303within a blade set. Blade 304 and blade mount 303 can, in oneembodiment, comprise of 6061 T-6 aluminum. Blades 304 can comprise of asheet attached to blade mounts 303. As blade 304 is mounted, it willtake on the curved shape of blade mounts 303. FIG. 5B illustrates blademount curvature. The curvature of blade mount 303 affects the efficiencyof turbine system 103. Measurement of curvature can be by the ratio alinear blade length 501 and a curve depth 502. For purposes of thisdisclosure, linear blade length 501 is measured as a straight line froma top blade grip 503 to a bottom blade grip 504, and curve depth 502 isthe deepest point of blade mount 303 curvature, measured perpendicularlyfrom a line along linear blade length 501. In one embodiment, curvedepth to linear blade length ratio can be between 15 to 99 and 17 to 99.In one embodiment, curve depth to linear blade length ratio can be 16 to99. In such embodiment, a blade with an eight-inch curve depth wouldhave a 49.5-inch linear blade length. These particular curvatures havean anti-drag and a lift characteristic, which can increase efficiency.The surface of blade 303 can be smooth, in order to provide a quick exitof wind so that additional oncoming wind has the opportunity to hitblade 304 with minimal disturbance. To help maintain curvature, one ormore battens can be placed along blade. Battens can be the samedimensions as blade mount 303, but do not connect to hub.

FIG. 6 illustrates a multiple blade set wind turbine shroud system. Inone embodiment, shaft 301 can comprise a plurality of blade sets spacedalong shaft 301. In such embodiment, upper shroud or lower shroud can besized and positioned to cover multiple blade sets. In anotherembodiment, multiple separate upper shrouds 202 a and lower shrouds 202b can be positioned to cover multiple blade sets. Frame 201 can beexpanded to support multiple shrouds 200 or enlarged shrouds 201, or aplurality of frames 201 can be used.

Various changes in the details of the illustrated operational systemsare possible without departing from the scope of the following claims.Some embodiments may combine the activities described herein as beingseparate steps. Similarly, one or more of the described steps may beomitted, depending upon the specific operational environment the systemis being implemented in. It is to be understood that the abovedescription is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Forexample, the above-described embodiments may be used in combination witheach other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill inthe art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the inventionshould, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims,along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims areentitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which”are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms“comprising” and “wherein.”

1. A shrouded wind turbine system comprising a frame; a turbine mountedto said frame, wherein said turbine comprises a hub; a plurality ofblade mounts connected to said hub, said hub rotatable such that duringsaid rotation, said blade mounts move toward a turbine rear when abovesaid hub and toward a turbine front when below said hub; a plurality ofblades, each connected to a unique one of said blade mounts; and anupper wind shroud comprising a front and a rear, said upper wind shroudfront mounted above said turbine front and said upper wind shroud rearmounted above said turbine rear, further wherein said upper wind shroudfront is mounted higher than said upper wind shroud rear.
 2. Theshrouded wind turbine system of claim 1 wherein said upper wind shroudtilts at an angle between thirty degrees and seventy-five degrees. 3.The shrouded wind turbine system of claim 2 wherein said upper windshroud tilts at an angle of forty-five degrees.
 4. The shrouded windturbine system of claim 1 wherein said upper wind shroud comprises 6061T-6 aluminum.
 5. The shrouded wind turbine system of claim 1 whereinsaid blade mounts have a ratio of a linear blade length to a curve depthbetween 15/99 and 17/99.
 6. The shrouded wind turbine system of claim 6comprising a plurality of battens, each batten connected to a one ofsaid blades parallel to at least one of said blade mounts, furtherwherein said battens have a ratio of a batten linear blade length to abatten curve depth between 15/99 and 17/99.
 7. The shrouded wind turbinesystem of claim 1 wherein each of said blades comprises a 6061 T-6aluminum sheet.
 8. The shrouded wind turbine system of claim 1 furthercomprising a lower wind shroud, wherein said lower wind shroud ismounted to said frame in front of said turbine and mounted at leastpredominantly below said hub.
 9. A shrouded wind turbine systemcomprising: a frame; a turbine mounted to said frame, wherein saidturbine comprises a hub; a plurality of blade mounts connected to saidhub, said hub rotatable, such that during said rotation said blademounts move toward a turbine rear when above said hub and toward aturbine front when below said hub; a plurality of blades, each connectedto a unique one of said blade mounts; and a lower wind shroud mounted tosaid frame, wherein said lower wind shroud is mounted in front of saidturbine and mounted at least predominantly below said hub.
 10. Theshrouded wind turbine system of claim 9 wherein said lower shroudcomprises a 6061 T-6 aluminum sheet.
 11. The shrouded wind turbinesystem of claim 1 wherein said blade mounts have a ratio of a linearblade length to a curve depth between 15/99 and 17/99.
 12. The shroudedwind turbine system of claim 6 comprising a plurality of battens, eachbatten connected to a one of said blades parallel to at least one ofsaid blade mounts, further wherein said battens have a ratio of a battenlinear blade length to a batten curve depth between 15/99 and 17/99. 13.The shrouded wind turbine system of claim 1 wherein each of said bladescomprises a 6061 T-6 aluminum sheet.
 14. A shrouded wind turbine systemcomprising a frame; a wind turbine comprising a hub; a first pluralityof first sets of first blade mounts, for each first set, each said firstblade mount within said first set parallel to other said first blademounts, wherein each of said second sets is mounted to a left portion ofsaid hub equally spaced radially from adjacent first sets; a secondplurality of second sets of second blade mounts, for each second set,each said second blade mount within said second set parallel to othersaid second blade mounts, wherein each of said second sets is mounted toa right portion of said hub equally spaced radially from adjacent secondsets; a first upper shroud mounted to said frame above said firstplurality of said first sets of said first blade mounts; and a secondupper shroud mounted to said frame above said second plurality of saidsecond sets of said second blade mounts.
 15. The system of claim 14further comprising a first lower shroud mounted to said frame in frontof said first plurality of first sets of blade mounts, and at leastpredominantly below said hub; and a second lower shroud mounted to saidframe in front of said first plurality of first sets of blade mounts,and at least predominantly below said hub.
 16. The system of claim 15wherein said first and second upper shroud and said first and secondlower shroud each comprise a 6061 T-6 aluminum sheet.
 17. The system ofclaim 14 wherein said blade mounts comprise 6061 T-6 aluminum.